Question

Pedro Reyes is an incumbent Vice-Mayor of Quezon City. He intends to run in the regular elections for the position of City Mayor of Quezon City whose incumbent mayor would have fully served three consecutive terms by 2004.

1. Would Pedro Reyes have to give up his position as Vice-Mayor:
a. Once he files his certificate of candidacy; or
b. When the campaign period starts; or
c. Once and if he is proclaimed winner in the election; or
d. Upon his assumption to the elective office; or
e. None of the above. Choose the correct answer
2. If Pedro Reyes were, instead, an incumbent Congressman of Quezon City, who intends to seek the mayoralty post in Quezon City, would your choice of answer in no. (1) above be the same? If not, which would be your choice? (2003 Bar)

Answer 1

Pedro Reyes must give up his position as Vice-Mayor of Quezon City when the campaign period starts, both as Vice-Mayor and similarly if he were an incumbent Congressman. The correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

Pedro Reyes, the incumbent Vice-Mayor of Quezon City, who intends to run for the position of City Mayor needs to consider when he has to give up his current position.

According to Philippine election law, an elected official must vacate his or her post upon the start of the campaign period if running for a different office. Hence, the correct answer to when Pedro Reyes should give up his position as Vice-Mayor is: b. When the campaign period starts.

For the second scenario, if Pedro Reyes were an incumbent Congressman, the same rule applies. Consequently, he would also need to give up his position when the campaign period starts, as the resignation requirement doesn't change based on the specific elected position held when seeking a different elected position. The correct option is b.